Bicycle air spring

ABSTRACT

An air spring comprising a pressurized first chamber including a gas, a first piston adjacent the first chamber and configured to slideably move relative to the first chamber, pressurized second chamber adjacent the first piston and opposite the first chamber, the air spring configured such that the first piston moves towards the first chamber during compression of the air spring and the first piston moves away from the first chamber during extension of the air spring, wherein as said first piston moves towards the first chamber during compression of the air spring, said first piston pushes at least a portion of said gas within said first chamber in a direction opposite said first piston, a second piston configured to slideably move relative to the first chamber, a pressurized third chamber adjacent the second piston and opposite the first chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/346,609, titled BICYCLE AIR SPRING, filed on Nov. 8, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/957,327, titledBICYCLE AIR SPRING, filed on Aug. 1, 2013. Each of the foregoingapplications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to air springs and, in particular,bicycle air springs suitable for use in connection with off-roadbicycles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Off-road bicycles, or mountain bikes, may be equipped with front andrear suspension assemblies operably positioned between the frame of thebicycle and the front and rear wheels, respectively. Providing front andrear suspension on a mountain bike potentially improves handling andperformance by absorbing bumps, and other rough trail conditions, whichmay be encountered while riding off-road. Because a mountain bike ispropelled solely by power output from the rider, it is desirable thatthe front and rear suspension assemblies be lightweight. Suspensionsystems of engine-driven vehicles commonly emphasize strength overweight and, therefore, have not been widely incorporated on mountainbikes. One way to reduce weight is to utilize an air spring instead of aconventional metal coil spring.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods and devices described herein have innovativeaspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsiblefor their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of theclaims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

One aspect of the present invention is the realization that the load v.displacement curve of a conventional air spring may not be ideal for amountain bike suspension system. In addition, a conventional air springmay experience spikes in the load v. displacement curve when the airspring experiences high velocities due to the adiabatic effect. Thus,there exists a need for an improved bicycle air spring. Accordingly animproved air spring is disclosed herein.

According to some embodiments, an air spring comprises a pressurizedfirst chamber including a gas, a first piston adjacent the first chamberand configured to slideably move relative to the first chamber, apressurized second chamber adjacent the first piston and opposite thefirst chamber, wherein the first piston is configured to seal the firstchamber from the second chamber, the air spring configured such that thefirst piston moves towards the first chamber during compression of theair spring and the first piston moves away from the first chamber duringextension of the air spring, wherein as said first piston moves towardsthe first chamber during compression of the air spring, said firstpiston pushes at least a portion of said gas within said first chamberin a direction opposite said first piston, a second piston configured toslideably move relative to the first chamber, a pressurized thirdchamber adjacent the second piston and opposite the first chamber,wherein the second piston is configured to seal the first chamber fromthe third chamber, and wherein the air spring is configured such thatthe at least a portion of the gas within the first chamber moved by thefirst piston in a direction opposite the first piston moves the secondpiston away from the first chamber when the pressure inside the firstchamber is greater than the pressure inside the third chamber.

According to another embodiment, the air spring comprises a retainingportion, the retaining portion configured to limit displacement of thesecond piston towards the first chamber.

According to another embodiment, the retaining portion is configured toretain the second piston in a retained position until the pressure inthe first chamber is greater than the pressure in the third chamber.

According to another embodiment, the first piston is spaced from thesecond piston.

According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the gas of theprimary chamber is located between the first piston and second piston.

According to another embodiment, the first piston is disposed at a firstend of the primary chamber and the second piston is disposed at a secondend of the primary chamber, the first end of the primary chambersubstantially opposite the second end of the primary chamber.

According to another embodiment, the air spring comprises a first memberand a second member, wherein the second member slideably moves relativeto the first member when the air spring is compressed or extended.

According to another embodiment, the first piston is affixed to thefirst member.

According to another embodiment, the first chamber is locatedsubstantially within the first member.

According to another embodiment, the second chamber is locatedsubstantially within the first member.

According to another embodiment, the second piston can slide relative tothe first member and second member during at least a portion of therange of motion of the air spring.

According to another embodiment, the air spring comprises a thirdmember, wherein the third chamber is located substantially within thethird member.

According to another embodiment, the third member is located externallyfrom the second member.

According to another embodiment, the third member is located externallyfrom the first member.

According to another embodiment, the air spring has an air spring rangeof travel comprising the difference in length of the air spring betweena fully extended position and a fully compressed position, wherein abicycle has a frame and a subframe, wherein the subframe is rotatablycoupled to the frame at a first end of the subframe and rotatablycoupled to the rear wheel at a second end of the subframe, wherein afirst end of the air spring is configured to be rotatably coupled to theframe and a second end of the air spring is configured to be rotatablycoupled to the subframe such that rotation of the subframe relative tothe frame causes either extension or compression of the air spring,wherein the rear wheel of the bicycle has a rear wheel vertical range oftravel, and wherein the air spring is configured to provide the desiredrear wheel vertical range of travel when the subframe and frame areconfigured such that the ratio between the rear wheel vertical range oftravel and the air spring range of travel greater than 1.25. Accordingto another embodiment, the air spring comprises a spring curve, whereinthe spring curve comprises a bump zone comprising the range of travel ofthe air spring between 30% compression and 70% compression of the airspring, and wherein the air spring is configured to provide an averagespring rate greater than 8 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curveof the air spring.

According to another embodiment, an air spring comprises a pressurizedfirst chamber; a first piston adjacent the first chamber and configuredto slideably move relative to the first chamber; a pressurized secondchamber adjacent the first piston and opposite the first chamber;wherein the first piston is configured to seal the first chamber fromthe second chamber; the air spring configured such that the first pistondecreases the volume of the first chamber during compression of the airspring and the first piston increases the volume of the first chamberduring extension of the air spring; a second piston adjacent the firstchamber and configured to slideably move relative to the first chamber;a pressurized third chamber adjacent the second piston and opposite thefirst chamber; wherein the second piston is configured to seal the firstchamber from the third chamber; wherein the air spring is configuredsuch that the second piston increases the volume of the first chamberwhen the pressure inside the first chamber is greater than the pressureinside the third chamber.

According to another embodiment, an air spring comprises a pressurizedfirst chamber; a first piston adjacent the first chamber and configuredto slideably move relative to the first chamber, the first chamberconfigured to decrease in volume when the first piston slides in a firstdirection, the first chamber configured to increase in volume when thefirst piston slides in a second direction; a pressurized second chamberconfigured to force the first piston in the first direction; wherein thefirst piston is configured to seal the first chamber from the secondchamber; a second piston adjacent the first chamber and configured toslideably move relative to the first chamber, the first chamberdecreasing in volume when the second piston slides in a third direction,the first chamber increasing in volume when the second piston slides ina fourth direction; a pressurized third chamber configured to force thesecond piston in the third direction; wherein the second piston isconfigured to seal the first chamber from the third chamber; wherein thefirst chamber is configured such that pressure in the first chamberforces the first piston in the second direction; wherein the firstchamber is configured such that pressure in the first chamber forces thesecond piston in the fourth direction; a retaining portion, theretaining portion configured to limit displacement of the second pistonin the third direction.

According to another embodiment, the first direction is the same as thethird direction and wherein the second direction is the same as thefourth direction.

According to another embodiment, the first direction is the same fourthdirection and wherein the second direction is the same as the thirddirection.

According to another embodiment, the air spring comprises a retainingportion, the retaining portion configured to limit displacement of thesecond piston in the third direction, the retaining portion isconfigured to retain the second piston in a retained position until thepressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure in the thirdchamber.

According to another embodiment, the air spring comprises a retainingportion, the retaining portion configured to limit displacement of thesecond piston in the fourth direction, the retaining portion isconfigured to retain the second piston in a retained position until thepressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure in the thirdchamber.

According to another embodiment, an air spring comprises a pressurizedfirst chamber; a first piston adjacent the first chamber, the firstpiston configured to seal the first chamber, the first piston configuredto slideably move relative to the first chamber, the first chamberconfigured to decrease in volume when the first piston slides in a firstdirection and the first chamber configured to increase in volume whenthe first piston slides in a second direction; a second springconfigured to force the first piston in the first direction; a secondpiston adjacent the first chamber, the second piston configured to sealthe first chamber, the second piston configured to slideably moverelative to the first chamber, the first chamber decreasing in volumewhen the second piston slides in a third direction and the first chamberincreasing in volume when the second piston slides in a fourthdirection; a third spring configured to force the second piston in athird direction; wherein the first chamber is configured such thatpressure in the first chamber forces the first piston in the seconddirection; wherein the first chamber is configured such that pressure inthe first chamber forces the second piston in the fourth direction; aretaining portion, the retaining portion configured to limitdisplacement of the second piston in the third direction.

According to another embodiment, an air spring can have a range ofmotion between a fully extended position and a fully compressedposition, the range of motion divided into an extended portion and acompressed portion, the extended portion nearest the fully extendedposition and the compressed portion nearest the fully extended position,the air spring comprising a pressurized first chamber; a first pistonadjacent the first chamber and configured to slideably move relative tothe first chamber, a pressurized second chamber adjacent the firstpiston and opposite the first chamber; wherein the first piston isconfigured to seal the first chamber from the second chamber; the airspring configured such that the first piston decreases the volume of thefirst chamber during compression of the air spring and the first pistonincreases the volume of the first chamber during extension of the airspring; a second piston adjacent the first chamber and configured toslideably move relative to the first chamber; a pressurized thirdchamber adjacent the second piston and opposite the first chamber;wherein the second piston is configured to seal the first chamber fromthe third chamber; wherein the air spring is configured such that thesecond piston increases the volume of the first chamber duringcompression of the air spring within the compressed portion of the rangeof motion of the air spring.

According to another embodiment, an air spring can have a range ofmotion between a fully extended position and a fully compressedposition, the range of motion divided into an extended portion and acompressed portion, the extended portion nearest the fully extendedposition and the compressed portion nearest the fully extended position,the air spring comprising a pressurized first chamber; a first pistonadjacent the first chamber and configured to slideably move relative tothe first chamber; a pressurized second chamber adjacent the firstpiston and opposite the first chamber; wherein the first piston isconfigured to seal the first chamber from the second chamber; the airspring configured such that the first piston moves towards the firstchamber during compression of the air spring and the first piston movesaway from the first chamber during extension of the air spring; a secondpiston adjacent the first chamber and configured to slideably moverelative to the first chamber; a pressurized third chamber adjacent thesecond piston and opposite the first chamber; wherein the second pistonis configured to seal the first chamber from the third chamber; whereinthe air spring is configured such that the second piston moves away fromthe first chamber during compression of the air spring within thecompressed portion of the range of motion of the air spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other features, aspects, andadvantages of the present technology will now be described in connectionwith various embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are notintended to be limiting. Like reference numbers and designations in thevarious drawings indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an off-road bicycle, including oneembodiment of an air spring.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an air spring.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section view of the air spring of FIG. 2 ina fully extended position.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross section view of the air spring of FIG. 2 ina fully compressed position.

FIG. 3C illustrates a partial cross section view of the air spring ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an airspring in a fully extended position.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross section view of the air spring ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates an additional partial cross section view of the airspring of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an airspring in a fully extended position.

FIG. 5B illustrates a partial cross section view of the air spring ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates an additional partial cross section view of the airspring of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an airspring in a fully extended position.

FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross section view of the air spring ofFIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. Theillustrative embodiments described in the detailed description,drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments maybe utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from thespirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readilyunderstood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generallydescribed herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged,substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form partof this disclosure. For example, a system or device may be implementedor a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forthherein. In addition, such a system or device may be implemented or sucha method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, orstructure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more ofthe aspects set forth herein. Alterations and further modifications ofthe inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applicationsof the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which wouldoccur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Descriptions of unnecessary parts or elements may be omitted for clarityand conciseness, and like reference numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. In the drawings, the size and thickness of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience.

Features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. It will be understood these drawings depictonly certain embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and,therefore, are not to be considered limiting of its scope; thedisclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough use of the accompanying drawings. An apparatus, system or methodaccording to some of the described embodiments can have several aspects,no single one of which necessarily is solely responsible for thedesirable attributes of the apparatus, system or method. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how illustratedfeatures serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure.

This application is directed to an improved air spring suitable for useon off-road bicycles. FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an off-roadbicycle 10, including one embodiment of an air spring 100. The bicycle10 includes a frame 2, preferably comprised of a generally triangularmain frame portion 4 and an articulating frame portion, such as asubframe 6. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the subframe 6 is rotatablycoupled to the main frame 4. A rear wheel 8 of the bicycle 10 isrotatably coupled to the subframe 6. In FIG. 1, the air spring 100 isillustrated in a fully extended position with the rear wheel 8 adjacenta reference plane 50. The reference plane 50 remains in the sameposition relative to the main frame 4 of the bicycle 10. As the subframe6 rotates, the rear wheel 8 travels through an arc 60. The verticalmovement 70 of the rear wheel 8 is referred to as the “rear wheelvertical range of travel.” The vertical movement of the rear wheel canbe measured from the reference plane 50.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a first member 101and a second member 102. The first member 101 can be slideably coupledto the second member 102. The air spring 100 can be configured to forcethe first member 101 in one direction and the second member 102 in asecond direction, opposite the second direction. As illustrated in FIG.1, one portion of the air spring 100, such as for example the firstmember 101, can be rotatably coupled to the main frame 4 and anotherportion of the air spring 100, such as for example the second member102, can be rotatably coupled the subframe 6, such that the air spring100 can manipulate the rotation of the subframe 6, and thus, movement ofthe rear wheel 8 relative to the bicycle 10 frame 2. The first member101 can slide relative to the second member 102 between a fully extendedposition and a fully compressed position. The air spring 100 has an “airspring range of travel” defined by the difference in length of the airspring 100 between the fully extended position and the fully compressedposition. The “motion ratio” of the bicycle 10 is defined as the ratioof the rear wheel vertical range of travel to the air spring 100 rangeof travel. The “spring rate” of the air spring 100 is defined as thechange in the force exerted by the air spring 100 divided by the changein length of the air spring 100. The spring rate of the air spring 100can vary depending on position of the first member 101 relative to thesecond member 102. The “wheel rate” of the bicycle 10 is defined as thechange in the amount of force necessary to move the rear wheelvertically divided by the vertical distance the wheel has moved. Thewheel rate can be calculated by dividing the spring rate by the motionratio.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the bicycle 10 also includes a front wheel 8carried by a front suspension assembly, or front fork 12. The fork 12 issecured to the main frame 4 by a handlebar assembly 14. A seat 16 isconnected to the frame 2 by a seat post 18, which is received within theseat tube of the main frame 4. The seat 16 provides support for a riderof the bicycle 10. A pedal crank assembly 3 is rotatably supported bythe main frame 14 and drives a multi-speed chain drive arrangement 5, asis well known in the art. The bicycle 10 also includes front and rearbrake systems 7 for slowing and stopping the bicycle 10. Although thefront and rear brakes 7 are illustrated as disc type brakes,alternatively, rim type brakes may be provided, as will be appreciatedby one of skill in the art. Rider controls (not shown) are commonlyprovided on the handlebar assembly 14 and are operable to controlshifting of the multi-speed chain drive arrangement 5 and front and rearbrake systems 7.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of an air spring 100.In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a first member 101and a second member 102. In some embodiments, the first member 101 andsecond member 102 are substantially cylindrical in shape. The firstmember 101 can be slideably coupled to the second member 102. The firstmember 101 can be configured to slideably receive the second member 102.The air spring 100 can also include a first coupling portion, such as afirst eyelet 104, and a second coupling portion, such as a second eyelet105. The first eyelet 104 can be located at a top portion of the airspring 100 and the second eyelet 105 can be located at a bottom portionof the air spring 100. The first eyelet 104 and second eyelet 105 caneach be configured to rotatably couple the air spring 100 to the bicycleframe 2 and the subframe 6. In some embodiments, a fastener can bepassed through the first eyelet 104 or second eyelet 105 which alsopassed through a portion of the bicycle frame 2 or subframe 6, securingthe air spring 100 to the bicycle frame 2 or subframe 6. In someembodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the firsteyelet 104 can be affixed to the first member 101 such that the firsteyelet 104 is constrained from moving relative to the first member 101and the second eyelet 105 can be affixed to the second member 102 suchthat the second eyelet 105 is constrained from moving relative to thesecond member 102. The “length” of the air spring 100 is defined as thedistance from the center of the first eyelet 104 to the center of thesecond eyelet 105. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 may notincorporate a first eyelet 104 and second eyelet 105, and in suchembodiments, the “length” of the air spring is defined as the distancebetween the axis about which the air spring 100 rotatably couples to thebicycle frame 2 and the axis about which the air spring 100 rotatablycouples to the bicycle subframe 6.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, theair spring 100 can include an upper wall, such as a cap 130. The cap 130can be configured to be affixed to a top portion of the first member101. The cap 130 can seal the top portion of the first member 101.Methods of affixing the cap 130 to the first member 101 can include, forexample, threading, bonding, adhesives, fasteners, etc. In someembodiments, the first eyelet 104 can be formed integrally into the cap130. In other embodiments, the first eyelet 104 can be affixed to thecap 130. In some embodiments, the second member 102 can include a bottomwall 140 sealing the bottom portion of the second member 102. In someembodiments, the bottom wall 140 can formed integrally with the secondmember 102. In other embodiments, the second member 102 can include afirst portion and a second portion, the bottom wall 140 forming part ofthe second portion. In some embodiments, the second eyelet 105 can beaffixed to the bottom wall 140 of the second member 102. In someembodiments, the first member 101 and the third member 103 have separatecaps, coupled together with a rigid or flexible connector.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a third member 103.In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, thethird member 103 can mounted externally to the first member 101. In someembodiments, the third member 103 can be substantially cylindrical inshape. The third member 103 can be affixed to the cap 130. In someembodiments, a top portion of the third member 103 can be affixed to thecap 130. Methods of affixing the third member 103 to the cap 130 caninclude, for example, threading, bonding, adhesives, fasteners, etc. Insome embodiments, the third member 103 can include a second cap 132configured to seal the bottom portion of the third member 103. In someembodiments, the second cap 132 can be affixed to the third member 103.Methods of affixing the second cap 132 to the third member 103 caninclude, for example, threading, bonding, adhesives, fasteners, etc.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, theair spring 100 can include an external valve configured to allow anexternal pressure source to fluidly couple to at least one pressurechamber located within the air spring 100, and adjust the pressurewithin the pressure chamber. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 caninclude a plurality of external valves. In some embodiments the valvescan be located in the cap 130. In some embodiments, the valves can belocated in the second cap 132. In other embodiments, the valves can belocated in other portions of the air spring 100 which may include, forexample, the first member 101, second member 102, bottom wall 140, thirdmember 103, etc. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include adamping assembly 155 configured to resist compression or extension ofthe air spring 100 as a function of the velocity of the first member 101relative to the second member 102. The damping system can include adamping adjuster 134. The damping adjuster 134, as illustrated in FIG.2, can be located external of the air spring 100. The damping adjuster134 can be located on the cap 130 of the air spring 100. In otherembodiments, the damping adjuster 134 can be located in other portionsof the air spring 100 which may include, for example, the first member101, second member 102, bottom wall 140, third member 103, etc. Thedamping system can include a plurality of damping adjusters.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section view of the air spring 100 of FIG. 2in a fully extended position. FIG. 3B illustrates a cross section viewof the air spring 100 of FIG. 2 in a fully compressed position. FIG. 3Cillustrates a partial cross section view of the air spring 100 of FIG.2. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a pressurizedchamber within the air spring 100. A “pressurized chamber,” as describedherein, shall be defined as a portion of the air spring 100substantially sealed from other portions of the air spring 100 by atleast one piston, during at least a portion of the range of motion ofthe air spring 100. A pressurized chamber can be surrounded by one ormore walls. In some embodiments, a pressurized chamber can besubstituted with a different type of spring, which may include forexample, a coil spring. A “piston,” as described herein, shall bedefined as a member configured to slide relative to a surrounding wall,typically a cylindrical wall, the member including a means for sealingagainst the surrounding wall such that the member forms an air tightseal between a first chamber on a first side of the piston and a secondchamber on a second side of the piston, the first side being oppositethe second side. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include aplurality of pressurized chambers. In some embodiments, the air spring100 can include a piston. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 caninclude a plurality of pistons.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A,the second member 102 can be slideably received within the first member101. In other embodiments, the first member 101 can be slideablyreceived within the first member 101. The air spring 100 can beconfigured such that the second member 102 slides towards the firstmember 101, upwards when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 3A, whenthe air spring 100 is compressed, and away from the first member 101,downwards when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 3A, when the airspring 100 is extended. In some embodiments, the first eyelet 104 isfurthest from the second eyelet 105 when the air spring 100 is in in afully extended position, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, and the first eyelet104 is closest to the second eyelet 105 when the air spring 100 is in afully compressed position, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. In someembodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the firstmember 101 can include a sealing member 108 configured to seal the firstmember 101 to the second member 102 as the second member 102 slidesrelative to the first member 101.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a first piston 121.The first piston 121 can be affixed to the second member 102 of the airspring 100, such that when the second member 102 slides relative to thefirst member 101, the first piston 121 moves with the second member 102.The first piston 121 can be affixed to the top of the second member 102.The first piston 121 can be configured to slide within the first member101 and seal against the first member 101. The first piston 121 caninclude a sealing member 106 configured to seal against the first member101 of the air spring 100. In some embodiments, the first piston 121 caninclude a plurality of sealing members 106. In some embodiments, thefirst piston can 121 comprise more than one piece affixed to oneanother.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A,the air spring 100 can include a first pressurized chamber, such as aprimary chamber 111. In some embodiments, the primary chamber 111 can bedisposed within the first member 101 of the air spring 100. The primarychamber 111 can be pressurized with a gas, which may include forexample, air. The first piston 121 can be adjacent the primary chamber111. “Adjacent,” when used herein to describe the relationship between apiston and a pressurized chamber, shall characterize an arrangementwherein one side of the piston is exposed to the pressurized gas withinthe pressurized chamber such that the pressure exerts a force againstthe one side of the piston. The first piston 121 can be disposed at afirst end, such as the bottom end, of the primary chamber 111. A pistonbeing described herein as being disposed at one end of a pressurizedchamber shall characterize an arrangement wherein one side of the pistonis exposed to the pressurized gas within the pressurized chamber suchthat the pressure exerts a force against the one side of the piston. Theair spring 100 can be configured such that when air spring 100 iscompressed, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, and the second member 102 slidestowards the first member 101, the first piston 121 is configured toslide towards the primary chamber 111 and decrease the volume of theprimary chamber 111. The primary chamber 111 can be pressurized suchthat the pressurized gas within the primary chamber 111 exerts a forceon a first side, such as the top side as illustrated in FIG. 3A, of thefirst piston 121, forcing the first piston 121 and second member 102away from the first member 101 and the air spring 100 towards a fullyextended position. As the air spring 100 is compressed, the volume ofthe primary chamber 111 can decrease, increasing the pressure within theprimary chamber 111, and increasing the force which the primary chamber111 exerts on the first piston 121. In some embodiments, the primarychamber 111 can include a primary chamber valve 131, as illustrated inFIG. 3C, configured to allow an external pressure source to fluidlycouple to the primary chamber 111 and adjust the pressure within theprimary chamber 111. By adjusting the pressure within the primarychamber 111, the shape of the spring curve can be manipulated.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A,the air spring 100 can include a second pressurized chamber, such as anegative chamber 112. In some embodiments, the negative chamber 112 canbe disposed within the first member 101 of the air spring 100. Thenegative chamber 112 can be pressurized with a gas. The negative chamber112 can be adjacent the first piston 121, opposite the primary chamber111. The air spring 100 can be configured such that when the air spring100 is compressed, the first piston 121 is configured to slide away fromthe negative chamber 112 and increase the volume of the negative chamber112. The negative chamber 112 can be pressurized such that thepressurized gas within the negative chamber 112 exerts a force on asecond side, such as the bottom side as illustrated in FIG. 3A, of thefirst piston 121, forcing the first piston 121 and second member 102towards the first member 101 and the air spring 100 towards a fullycompressed position. The negative chamber 112 can be configured todesirably decrease the spring rate of the air spring 100 when the airspring 100 is near a fully extended position.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured such that asthe air spring 100 compresses from a fully extended position, asillustrated in FIG. 3A, to a fully compressed position, as illustratedin FIG. 3B, the effect of the negative chamber 112 on the spring rate ofthe air spring 100 is reduced. In some embodiments, not illustrated inthe figures, the air spring 100 can include vents or channels whichfluidly connect the negative chamber 112 to another chamber within theair spring 100, such as the primary chamber 111, during a portion of therange of motion of the air spring 100. In some embodiments, the range ofmotion of the air spring 100 can include two portions, a compressedportion nearest the fully compressed position, and an extended portionnearest the fully extended position. In some embodiments, the vents orchannels fluidly connect the negative chamber 112 to another chamberwhen the air spring 100 is in the compressed portion of the range ofmotion of the air spring 100 and do not connect the negative chamber 112to another chamber of the air spring 100 when the air spring 100 is inthe extended portion of the range of motion of the air spring 100. Insome embodiments, the vents or channels can include a one way valve suchthat gas can only travel through the vents or channels in one direction.In some embodiments, the vents or channels can be similar to the bypasschannel described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,480,064, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the airspring 100 can include a negative chamber valve configured to allow anexternal pressure source to fluidly couple to the negative chamber 112and adjust the pressure within the negative chamber 112. By adjustingthe pressure within the negative chamber 112, the shape of the springcurve can be manipulated.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a second piston 122.The second piston 122 can be configured to slide within the air spring100. In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG.3A, the second piston 122 can be configured to slide within the thirdmember 103 and seal against the third member 103. The second piston 122can include a sealing member 107 configured to seal against the thirdmember 103 of the air spring 100. In some embodiments, the primarychamber 111 can be at least partially disposed within the third member103 as well as the first member 101. In some embodiments, the primarychamber 111 can include a primary chamber extension portion 115, whichmay include for example, a hollow channel, which fluidly connects theportion of the primary chamber 111 within the first member 101 to theportion of the primary chamber 111 within the third member 103. In someembodiments, the primary chamber extension portion 115 can be formed inthe cap 130 of the air spring 100. In some embodiments, the secondpiston 122 can be adjacent the primary chamber 111.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A,the air spring 100 can include a third pressurized chamber, such as acompensation chamber 113. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber113 can be disposed within the third member 103 of the air spring 100.The compensation chamber 113 can be pressurized with a gas. The secondpiston 122 can be adjacent the compensation chamber 113. The secondpiston 122 can be disposed at a first end, such as the top end, of thecompensation chamber 113. The pressurized gas within the primary chamber111 can exert a force on a first side of the second piston 122, the topside for example as illustrated in FIG. 3A, forcing the second piston122 away from the primary chamber 111 and towards the compensationchamber 113. The pressurized gas within the compensation chamber 113 canexert a force on a second side of the second piston 122, the bottom sidefor example as illustrated in FIG. 3A, forcing the second piston 122away from the compensation chamber 113 and towards the primary chamber111. The air spring 100 can be configured such that as the pressure inthe primary chamber 111 increases, the pressurized gas within theprimary chamber 111 can force the second piston 122 to slide towards thecompensation chamber 113, increasing the volume of the primary chamber111 and decreasing the volume of the compensation chamber 113.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include a retaining portion123 configured to limit displacement of the second piston 122 away fromthe compensation chamber 113 and towards the primary chamber 111. Insome embodiments, the retaining portion 123 can comprise a wall, whichmay include for example, a portion of the cap 130, limiting the travelof the second piston 122. In some embodiments, the retaining portion 123can comprise a protrusion from the wall of the chamber within which thesecond piston 122 is sliding. In some embodiments, the retaining portion123 can comprise a protrusion from a rod or shaft on which the secondpiston 122 is sliding. In some embodiments, the second piston 122 caninclude an engaging portion configured to cooperate with the retainingportion 123 and prevent the second piston 122 from sliding away from thecompensation chamber 113 and towards the primary chamber 111. In someembodiments, the retaining portion 123 can include non-physical meansfor limiting the travel of the second piston 122, which may include forexample, magnetic force.

In some embodiments, the retaining portion 123 can allow the pressure ofthe compensation chamber 113 to be set higher than the pressure in theprimary chamber 111 when the air spring 100 is in a fully extendedposition. In some embodiments, when the air spring 100 is compressedfrom a fully extended position, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, towards afully compressed position, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the pressure ofthe primary chamber 111 can increase due to the first piston 121reducing the volume of the primary chamber 111. The second piston 122can remain in a retained position, forced against the retaining portion123 by the pressurized gas of the compensation chamber 113, until thepressure in the primary chamber 111 is greater than the pressure in thecompensation chamber 113. When the pressure in the primary chamber 111is greater than the pressure in the compensation chamber 113, the secondpiston 122 can move away from primary chamber 111 and towards thecompensation chamber 113, increasing the volume of the primary chamber111 and decreasing the volume of the compensation chamber 113. Thereduction in volume of the primary chamber 111 can desirably change theshape of the spring curve compared to an air spring 100 that does notinclude a second piston 122 and compensation chamber 113.

In some embodiments, due to the second piston 122 remaining in theretained position and not changing the volume of the primary chamber 111until the pressure of the primary chamber 111 reaches the pressure ofthe compensation chamber 113, the spring curve can be selectivelymodified in the compressed portion of the range of motion of the airspring 100. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can include acompensation chamber valve 133 configured to allow an external pressuresource to fluidly couple to the compensation chamber 113 and adjust thepressure within the compensation chamber 113. By adjusting the pressurewithin the compensation chamber 113, the shape of the spring curve canbe manipulated. When the pressure of the compensation chamber 113 isincreased, the pressure of the primary chamber 111 at which the secondpiston 122 moves from the retained position can be adjusted. Since thepressure of the primary chamber 111 is, at least in part, a function ofthe location of the first piston 121, and thus the second member 102, inrelation to the first member 101, the pressure in the compensationchamber 113 can affect the point in the range of motion of the airspring 100 at which the second piston 122 moves from the retainedposition, also the point at which the volume of the primary chamber 111is increased, and thus the point at which the spring rate is effected bythe reduction of pressure in the primary chamber 111. In someembodiments, the compensation chamber 113 can decrease the rate ofpressure change within the primary chamber 111 during compression of theair spring 100. In some embodiments, adjusting the pressure within thecompensation chamber 113 can affect the rate of pressure change withinthe primary chamber 111 during compression of the air spring 100.Changing the pressure in the primary chamber 111 through the primarychamber valve 131 can affect the point at which the second piston 122moves from the retained position.

In some embodiments, the first piston 121 can have an outer diameter.The outer diameter of the first piston 121 can be substantially similarto the inner diameter of the first member 101. The outer diameter of thefirst piston 121 can be substantially similar to the diameter of theprimary chamber 111. In some embodiments, the second piston 122 can havean outer diameter. The outer diameter of the second piston 122 can besubstantially similar to the inner diameter of the third member 103. Theouter diameter of the second piston 122 can be substantially similar tothe diameter of the compensation chamber 113. In some embodiments, theouter diameter of the first piston 121 can be substantially similar tothe outer diameter of the second piston 122. In some embodiments, theouter diameter of the first piston 121 can be greater than the outerdiameter of the second piston 122. In some embodiments, the outerdiameter of the second piston 122 can be greater than the outer diameterof the first piston 121. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of thefirst piston 121 can be greater than 110% of the outer diameter of thesecond piston 122. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the firstpiston 121 can be greater than 120% of the outer diameter of the secondpiston 122. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first piston121 can be greater than 130% of the outer diameter of the second piston122. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first piston 121 canbe greater than 140% of the outer diameter of the second piston 122. Insome embodiments, the outer diameter of the first piston 121 can begreater than 150% of the outer diameter of the second piston 122. Insome embodiments, the outer diameter of the first piston 121 can begreater than 160% of the outer diameter of the second piston 122. Insome embodiments, the outer diameter of the first piston 121 can begreater than 170% of the outer diameter of the second piston 122. Insome embodiments, the outer diameter of the first piston 121 can begreater than 180% of the outer diameter of the second piston 122. Insome embodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can begreater than 110% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 120% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 130% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 140% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 150% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 160% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 170% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the outer diameter of the second piston 122 can be greaterthan 180% of the outer diameter of the first piston 121.

In some embodiments, the first piston 121 can have a primary chambersurface area comprising the surface area adjacent the primary chamber111 along a plane perpendicular to the axis along which the first piston121 can slide. In some embodiments, the second piston 122 can have aprimary chamber surface area comprising the surface area adjacent theprimary chamber 111 along a plane perpendicular to the axis along whichthe second piston 122 can slide. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the first piston 121 can be substantiallysimilar to the primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122. Insome embodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the first piston121 can be greater than the primary chamber surface area of the secondpiston 122. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface area of thesecond piston 122 can be greater than the primary chamber surface areaof the first piston 121. In some embodiments, the primary chambersurface area of the first piston 121 can be greater than 120% of theprimary chamber surface area of the second piston 122. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the first piston 121can be greater than 140% of the primary chamber surface area of thesecond piston 122. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface areaof the first piston 121 can be greater than 160% of the primary chambersurface area of the second piston 122. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the first piston 121 can be greater than 180% ofthe primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the first piston 121can be greater than 200% of the primary chamber surface area of thesecond piston 122. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface areaof the first piston 121 can be greater than 220% of the primary chambersurface area of the second piston 122. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the first piston 121 can be greater than 240% ofthe primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the first piston 121can be greater than 260% of the primary chamber surface area of thesecond piston 122. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface areaof the first piston 121 can be greater than 280% of the primary chambersurface area of the second piston 122. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the first piston 121 can be greater than 300% ofthe primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122can be greater than 120% of the primary chamber surface area of thefirst piston 121. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface areaof the second piston 122 can be greater than 140% of the primary chambersurface area of the first piston 121. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the second piston 122 can be greater than 160%of the primary chamber surface area of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122can be greater than 180% of the primary chamber surface area of thefirst piston 121. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface areaof the second piston 122 can be greater than 200% of the primary chambersurface area of the first piston 121. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the second piston 122 can be greater than 220%of the primary chamber surface area of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122can be greater than 240% of the primary chamber surface area of thefirst piston 121. In some embodiments, the primary chamber surface areaof the second piston 122 can be greater than 260% of the primary chambersurface area of the first piston 121. In some embodiments, the primarychamber surface area of the second piston 122 can be greater than 280%of the primary chamber surface area of the first piston 121. In someembodiments, the primary chamber surface area of the second piston 122can be greater than 300% of the primary chamber surface area of thefirst piston 121.

Due to the adiabatic effect, the pressure in the primary chamber 111 canbe, at least in part, a function of the velocity of the compression orextension of the air spring 100. An adiabatic process is a processoccurring without exchange of heat of a system with its environment.When the gas within the air spring 100 is compressed, heat is produced.At high velocities, the gas within the air spring 100 can be compressedin such a short amount of time, that there is little to no opportunityfor significant heat exchange between the gas and the environment. Thus,the temperature of the gas within the air spring 100 can increase,resulting in expansion of the gas, and typically resulting in a higherspring rate. Mountain bicycles 10 are often utilized on bumpy terrainwhich can produce high velocities at the air spring 100. The adiabaticeffect can result in undesirable spikes in the spring rate of the airspring 100 during these instances of high air spring velocity. Thecompensation chamber 113 can help to dampen the effects of the adiabaticeffect. During an instance of high first piston 121 velocity creating apressure spike in the primary chamber 111, the pressure in the primarychamber 111 may rise above the pressure in the compensation chamber 113,even though the air spring 100 may not have compressed to the point atwhich the second piston 122 would move from the retained position in theabsence of the adiabatic effect. When the pressure of the primarychamber 111 rises above the pressure of the compensation chamber 113,the second piston 122 can move from the retained position, increasingthe volume of the primary chamber 111, thus reducing the pressure in theprimary chamber 111 and reducing the effects of the pressure spike onthe spring rate of the air spring 100 produced by the adiabatic effect.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A,the air spring 100 can include a damping assembly 155. The dampingassembly 155 can include a damping fixation shaft 150. The dampingfixation shaft 150 can be disposed within the first member 101 of theair spring 100. In some embodiments, including the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3A, the first piston 121 of the air spring 100 caninclude an aperture configured to accept the damping fixation shaft 150.The first piston 121 can include a sealing member configured to seal thefirst piston 121 to the damping fixation shaft 150 as the first piston121 slides within the air spring 100. The damping fixation shaft 150 canbe affixed to the cap 130, and thus restrained from moving relative tothe first member 101. The second member 102 can include a dampingchamber 114, which contains a damping fluid, which may include forexample, a noncompressible fluid. The damping system can include adamping member 152, such as a damping piston. The damping member 152 caninclude at least one orifice and can be configured to slide within thedamping chamber 114. The damping member 152 can be disposed within thesecond member 102 of the air spring 100. The damping member 152 can beaffixed to one end of the damping fixation shaft 150, such as the bottomend of the damping fixation shaft 150 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Thedamping fluid can be forced through the damping member 152 as the secondmember 102 moves relative to the first member 101, and thus relative tothe damping member 152. The damping system can also include a dampingadjustment rod 151 and a damping adjuster 134. The damping adjuster 134can include an external mechanism providing for external adjustment ofthe damping assembly 155. The damping adjuster 134 can manipulate thedamping adjustment rod 151 such that the damping adjustment rod 151 canmanipulate at least one orifice in the damping member 152, thusaffecting the flow of damping fluid through the damping member 152, andthus the damping force exerted by the damping system. The dampingfixation shaft 150 can be hollow and include a channel within thedamping fixation shaft 150. The damping adjustment rod 151 can bedisposed within the channel of the damping fixation shaft 150. Thedamping member 152 can include additional valves, such as shims.

In some embodiments, the amount of extension force each spring exerts,as a function of displacement, the distance each spring has beencompressed, can be represented by a spring curve. The instantaneousslope of the spring curve represents the spring rate of that spring atthat particular displacement. The spring curve can be separated intothree portions, an “initial zone” comprising the first 30% ofdisplacement, the “bump zone” comprising the middle 30% to 70% ofdisplacement, and an “ending zone” comprising the final 70% to 100% ofdisplacement. The spring curve of a standard coil spring curve istypically linear, which can be a desirable characteristic, throughoutthe initial zone, bump zone, and ending zone. The pressurized negativechamber 112 of the air spring 100 can be configured to produce a lowerspring rate at the beginning of the spring curve in the initial zone. Inthe bump zone, the negative chamber can be configured to no longersubstantially affect the spring curve. In the bump zone, the primarychamber 111 and compensation chamber 113 can work together to closelyfollow the desired bump zone curve of a standard coil spring. In theending zone, the spring rate can increase providing additionalresistance to bottoming out the air spring 100 during large impacts. Thecompensation chamber 113 allows the ending zone of the air spring 100curve to be adjusted without substantially affecting the shape of thecurve in the bump zone.

In some embodiments, the shape of the spring curve of the air spring 100can be manipulated by adjusting the pressure in one or more of thepressurized chambers via one of the chamber valves. The shape of theentire curve, and particularly the slope of the curve within the bumpzone, can be adjusted by adjusting the pressure within the primarychamber 111 of the air spring 100. Increasing the pressure in theprimary chamber 111 can increase the spring rate and the slope of thespring curve. Lowering the pressure in the primary chamber 111 candecrease the spring rate and the slope of the spring curve. The shape ofthe curve in the initial zone, and particularly the portion nearest thefully extended position, can be manipulated by adjusting the pressure inthe negative chamber 112. Increasing the pressure in the negativechamber 112 can reduce the amount of force necessary to move the airspring 100 from a fully extended position. Decreasing the pressure inthe negative chamber 112 can reduce that effect. The shape of the curvein the ending zone, and depending on the pressures of the configurationand pressures of the primary chamber 111 and compensation chamber 113,possibly also the bump zone, can be manipulated by adjusting thepressure in the compensation chamber 113. Increasing the pressure in thecompensation chamber 113 can shift the displacement at which the secondpiston 122 moves from the retained position, and thus softens the springrate of the air spring 100, closer to the fully extended position.Increasing the pressure in the compensation chamber 113 can reduce theeffect of the compensation chamber 113. Decreasing the pressure in thecompensation chamber 113 can shift the displacement at which the secondpiston 122 moves from the retained position, and thus softens the springrate of the air spring 100, closer to the fully compressed position. Insome embodiments, the pressures of the various air chambers can each beadjusted independently to manipulate a particular portion of the springcurve.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide thedesired wheel rate, when installed in a bicycle 10 with a particularmotion ratio. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configuredto be installed in a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio greater than 1. Insome embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to be installedin a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio greater than 1.25. In someembodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to be installed in abicycle 10 with a motion ratio greater than 1.5. In some embodiments,the air spring 100 can be configured to be installed in a bicycle 10with a motion ratio greater than 1.75. In some embodiments, the airspring 100 can be configured to be installed in a bicycle 10 with amotion ratio greater than 2. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 canbe configured to be installed in a bicycle 10 with a motion ratiogreater than 2.25. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to be installed in a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio greaterthan 2.5. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured tobe installed in a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio greater than 2.75. Insome embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to be installedin a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio greater than 3. In some embodiments,the air spring 100 can be configured to be installed in a bicycle 10with a motion ratio between 1 and 3. In some embodiments, the air spring100 can be configured to be installed in a bicycle 10 with a motionratio between 1.5 and 3. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to be installed in a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio between1.75 and 3. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured tobe installed in a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio between 2 and 3. Insome embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to be installedin a bicycle 10 with a motion ratio between 2.25 and 3. In someembodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to be installed in abicycle 10 with a motion ratio between 2.25 and 2.75. In someembodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to be installed in abicycle 10 with a motion ratio between 2.25 and 2.5.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide adesired spring rate. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide a desired average spring rate over a particularportion of the curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide a desired average spring rate in the bump zone ofthe spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide an average spring rate greater than 2pounds/millimeter (lbs./mm) in the bump zone of the spring curve. Insome embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide anaverage spring rate greater than 4 pounds/millimeter (lbs./mm) in thebump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100can be configured to provide an average spring rate greater than 6pounds/millimeter (lbs./mm) in the bump zone of the spring curve. Insome embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide anaverage spring rate greater than 8 lbs./mm in the bump zone of thespring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configuredto provide an average spring rate greater than 10 lbs./mm in the bumpzone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide an average spring rate greater than 12 lbs./mm inthe bump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring100 can be configured to provide an average spring rate greater than 14lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, theair spring 100 can be configured to provide an average spring rategreater than 16 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve. In someembodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide an averagespring rate greater than 18 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the springcurve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured toprovide an average spring rate greater than 20 lbs./mm in the bump zoneof the spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide an average spring rate greater than 22 lbs./mm inthe bump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring100 can be configured to provide an average spring rate greater than 24lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, theair spring 100 can be configured to provide an average spring rategreater than 26 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve. In someembodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide an averagespring rate greater than 28 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the springcurve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured toprovide an average spring rate greater than 30 lbs./mm in the bump zoneof the spring curve.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide anaverage spring rate between 2 lbs./mm and 30 lbs./mm in the bump zone ofthe spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide an average spring rate between 4 lbs./mm and 28lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, theair spring 100 can be configured to provide an average spring ratebetween 6 lbs./mm and 26 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve.In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide anaverage spring rate between 8 lbs./mm and 24 lbs./mm in the bump zone ofthe spring curve. In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can beconfigured to provide an average spring rate between 10 lbs./mm and 22lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve. In some embodiments, theair spring 100 can be configured to provide an average spring ratebetween 12 lbs./mm and 20 lbs./mm in the bump zone of the spring curve.In some embodiments, the air spring 100 can be configured to provide anaverage spring rate between 14 lbs./mm and 18 lbs./mm in the bump zoneof the spring curve.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an airspring 100A in a fully extended position. In some embodiments, the airspring 100A can include a second piston 122A. The second piston 122A canbe configured to slide within the air spring 100A. In some embodiments,including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the second piston 122Acan be configured to slide within the first member 101A and seal againstthe first member 101A. The second piston 122A can include a sealingmember 107A configured to seal against the first member 101A of the airspring 100A. In some embodiments, the second piston 122A can be adjacentthe primary chamber 111A. In some embodiments, the first piston 121A canbe disposed at a first end of the primary chamber 111A and the secondpiston 122A can be disposed at a second end of the primary chamber 111A.In some embodiments, the first end of the primary chamber 111A can beopposite the second end of the primary chamber 111A.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A,the air spring 100A can include a third pressurized chamber, such as acompensation chamber 113A. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber113A can be disposed within the first member 101A of the air spring100A. The compensation chamber 113A can be pressurized with a gas. Thesecond piston 122A can be adjacent the compensation chamber 113A. Thesecond piston 122A can be disposed at a first end, such as the top end,of the compensation chamber 113A. The pressurized gas within the primarychamber 111A can exert a force on a first side of the second piston122A, the bottom side for example as illustrated in FIG. 4A, forcing thesecond piston 122A away from the primary chamber 111 and towards thecompensation chamber 113A. The pressurized gas within the compensationchamber 113A can exert a force on a second side of the second piston122A, the top side for example as illustrated in FIG. 3A, forcing thesecond piston 122A away from the compensation chamber 113A and towardsthe primary chamber 111A. The air spring 100A can be configured suchthat as the pressure in the primary chamber 111A increases, thepressurized gas within the primary chamber 111A can force the secondpiston 122A to slide towards the compensation chamber 113A, increasingthe volume of the primary chamber 111A and decreasing the volume of thecompensation chamber 113A.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100A can include a retaining portion123A configured to limit displacement of the second piston 122A awayfrom the compensation chamber 113A and towards the primary chamber 111A.In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A,the retaining portion 123A can comprise a protrusion or ledge from a rodor shaft on which the second piston 122 is sliding. In some embodiments,the second piston 122A can include an aperture configure to accept ashaft, such as the damping fixation shaft 150A. In some embodiments, theretaining portion 123A can comprise a protrusion from the dampingfixation shaft 150A. In some embodiments, the protrusion can prevent thesecond piston 122A from sliding towards the primary chamber once thesecond piston 122A has engaged the retaining portion 123A.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross section view of the air spring ofFIG. 4A. FIG. 4C illustrates an additional partial cross section view ofthe air spring of FIG. 4A. In some embodiments, the primary chamber 111Acan include a primary chamber valve 131A, as illustrated in FIG. 4B,configured to allow an external pressure source to fluidly couple to theprimary chamber 111A and adjust the pressure within the primary chamber111A. By adjusting the pressure within the primary chamber 111, theshape of the spring curve can be manipulated. In some embodiments, theprimary chamber valve 131A can be fluidly connected to the primarychamber 111A via a channel within the air spring 100A. In someembodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the valvecan be fluidly coupled to the primary chamber via the channel in thedamping fixation shaft 150A. In some embodiments, the damping adjustmentrod 151A, can be disposed within the channel in the damping fixationshaft 150. In some embodiments, the damping adjustment rod 151A can besized to include a gap between the damping adjustment rod 151A and theinner wall of the damping fixation shaft 150A such that a gas can travelthrough the channel of the damping fixation shaft 150A. In someembodiments, the primary chamber valve 131A can include an orificebetween the channel of the damping fixation shaft 150A and the primarychamber 111A to allow gas to pass when adjusting the pressure of theprimary chamber 111A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an airspring 100B in a fully extended position. FIG. 5B illustrates a partialcross section view of the air spring 100B of FIG. 5A. In someembodiments, the air spring 100B can include a second piston 122B. Thesecond piston 122B can be configured to slide within the air spring100B. In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG.5A, the second piston 122B can be configured to slide within the thirdmember 103B and seal against the third member 103B. The second piston122B can include a sealing member 107B configured to seal against thethird member 103B of the air spring 100B. In some embodiments, the thirdmember 103B can be located within the first member 101B. In someembodiments, the third member 103B can be disposed within the primarychamber 111B. In some embodiments, the second piston 122B can beadjacent the primary chamber 111B.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A,the air spring 100B can include a third pressurized chamber, such as acompensation chamber 113B. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber113B can be disposed within the third member 103B of the air spring100B. The third member 103B can seal the primary chamber 111B from thecompensation chamber 113B. The compensation chamber 113B can bepressurized with a gas. The second piston 122B can be adjacent thecompensation chamber 113B. The second piston 122B can between a firstend and a second end of the compensation chamber 113B. The pressurizedgas within the primary chamber 111B can exert a force on a first side ofthe second piston 122B, the bottom side for example as illustrated inFIG. 5A, forcing the second piston 122B away from the primary chamber111B and towards the compensation chamber 113B. The pressurized gaswithin the compensation chamber 113B can exert a force on a second sideof the second piston 122B, the top side for example as illustrated inFIG. 5A, forcing the second piston 122B away from the compensationchamber 113B and towards the primary chamber 111B. The air spring 100Bcan be configured such that as the pressure in the primary chamber 111Bincreases, the pressurized gas within the primary chamber 111B can forcethe second piston 122B to slide towards the compensation chamber 113B,increasing the volume of the primary chamber 111B and decreasing thevolume of the compensation chamber 113B.

FIG. 5C illustrates an additional partial cross section view of the airspring 100B of FIG. 5A. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber113B can include a compensation chamber valve 133B, as illustrated inFIG. 5C, configured to allow an external pressure source to fluidlycouple to the compensation chamber 113B and adjust the pressure withinthe compensation chamber 113B. By adjusting the pressure within thecompensation chamber 113B, the shape of the spring curve can bemanipulated. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber 113B can befluidly connected to the compensation chamber 113B via a channel withinthe air spring 100B. In some embodiments, including the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5C, the valve can be fluidly coupled to thecompensation chamber 113B via the channel in the damping fixation shaft150B. In some embodiments, the primary chamber valve 131B can include anorifice between the channel of the damping fixation shaft 150B and thecompensation chamber 113B to allow gas to pass when adjusting thepressure of the compensation chamber 113B.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross section view of one embodiment of an airspring 100C in a fully extended position. FIG. 6B illustrates a partialcross section view of the air spring 100C of FIG. 6A. In someembodiments, the air spring 100C can include a second piston 122C. Thesecond piston 122C can be configured to slide within the air spring100C. In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG.6A, the second piston 122C can be configured to slide within the thirdmember 103C and seal against the third member 103C. The second piston122C can include a sealing member 107C configured to seal against thethird member 103C of the air spring 100C. In some embodiments, the thirdmember 103C can be located around the first member 101C such that thefirst member is substantially within the third member 103C. In someembodiments, the second piston 122C can include an aperture configuredto receive the first member 101C. The second piston 122C can beconfigured to seal against the first member 101C.

In some embodiments, the primary chamber 111C can be at least partiallydisposed within the third member 103C as well as the first member 101C.In some embodiments, at least a portion of the primary chamber 111C canbe formed between the first member 101C and the third member 103C. Insome embodiments, the primary chamber 111C can include a primary chamberextension portion 115C, which may include for example, a hollow channel,which fluidly connects the portion of the primary chamber 111C withinthe first member 101C to the portion of the primary chamber 111C betweenthe first member 101C and the third member 103C. In some embodiments,the primary chamber extension portion 115 can be formed in the cap 130of the air spring 100. In some embodiments, the second piston 122C canbe adjacent the primary chamber 111C.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A,the air spring 100C can include a third pressurized chamber, such as acompensation chamber 113C. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber113C can be disposed within the third member 103C of the air spring100C. In some embodiments, the compensation chamber 113C can be formedbetween the first member 101C and the third member 103C. Thecompensation chamber 113C can be pressurized with a gas. The secondpiston 122C can be adjacent the compensation chamber 113C. The secondpiston 122C can be disposed at a first end, such as the top end, of thecompensation chamber 113C. The pressurized gas within the primarychamber 111C can exert a force on a first side of the second piston122C, the top side for example as illustrated in FIG. 6A, forcing thesecond piston 122C away from the primary chamber 111C and towards thecompensation chamber 113C. The pressurized gas within the compensationchamber 113C can exert a force on a second side of the second piston122C, the bottom side for example as illustrated in FIG. 6A, forcing thesecond piston 122C away from the compensation chamber 113C and towardsthe primary chamber 111C. The air spring 100C can be configured suchthat as the pressure in the primary chamber 111C increases, thepressurized gas within the primary chamber 111C can force the secondpiston 122C to slide towards the compensation chamber 113C, increasingthe volume of the primary chamber 111C and decreasing the volume of thecompensation chamber 113C.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100C can include a retaining portion123C configured to limit displacement of the second piston 122C awayfrom the compensation chamber 113C and towards the primary chamber 111C.In some embodiments, the retaining portion 123C can comprise aprotrusion from the wall of the chamber within which the second piston122C is sliding. In some embodiments, including the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6A, the retaining portion 123C can comprise aprotrusion from the first member 101C. In other embodiments, theretaining portion 123C can comprise a protrusion from the third member101C.

In some embodiments, the air spring 100C can include a compensationchamber valve 133C configured to allow an external pressure source tofluidly couple to the compensation chamber 113C and adjust the pressurewithin the compensation chamber 113C.

Various modifications to the implementations described in thisdisclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and thegeneric principles defined herein may be applied to otherimplementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theimplementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel featuresdisclosed herein. Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in theart will readily appreciate, the terms “upper” and “lower” are sometimesused for ease of describing the figures, and indicate relative positionscorresponding to the orientation of the figure on a properly orientedpage, and may not reflect the proper orientation of the device asimplemented.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

In describing the present technology, the following terminology may havebeen used: The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items.The term “ones” refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies tothe selection of some or all of a quantity. The term “plurality” refersto two or more of an item. The term “about” means quantities,dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and othercharacteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or largeror smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art. The term “substantially” means thatthe recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achievedexactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example,tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations andother factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amountsthat do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended toprovide. Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a rangeformat. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merelyfor convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration,a numerical range of “about 1 to 5” should be interpreted to include notonly the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but alsoinclude individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range.Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2,3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4 and 3-5, etc. This sameprinciple applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g.,“greater than about 1”) and should apply regardless of the breadth ofthe range or the characteristics being described. A plurality of itemsmay be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these listsshould be construed as though each member of the list is individuallyidentified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual memberof such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any othermember of the same list solely based on their presentation in a commongroup without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms“and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are tobe interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items maybe used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term“alternatively” refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives,and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listedalternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and withoutdiminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various componentsmay be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that suchchanges and modifications be included within the scope of the invention.Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages arenecessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by theclaims that follow.

1. (canceled)
 2. An air spring comprising: a first member and a secondmember, wherein the second member slidably moves relative to the firstmember when the air spring is compressed or extended; a first pistonaffixed to an end of the second member and configured to slidably movewithin the first member; a first chamber including a gas, the firstchamber at least partially bounded by the first piston; a second chamberincluding a gas, the second chamber at least partially bounded by thefirst piston, wherein the first piston is configured to seal the firstchamber from the second chamber, wherein the air spring is configuredsuch that the first piston increases the volume of the second chamberduring a compression motion of the air spring and the first pistondecreases the volume of the second chamber during an extension motion ofthe air spring; a third chamber including a gas, the third chamber atleast partially surrounding the first chamber during at least a portionof the compression motion and extension motion of the air spring; and asecond piston that at least partially bounds the third chamber, whereinthe second piston is configured to seal the third chamber from the firstchamber.
 3. The air spring of claim 2, wherein the third chamber isdisposed between the first member and a third member of the air spring.4. The air spring of claim 3, wherein the second piston comprises anouter seal that seals against the third member, and an inner seal thatseals against the first member.
 5. The air spring of claim 2, whereinthe third chamber comprises an annular cross-sectional shape.
 6. The airspring of claim 2, further comprising a retaining portion, the retainingportion configured to limit displacement of the second piston towardsthe first chamber.
 7. The air spring of claim 6, wherein the retainingportion is configured to retain the second piston in a retained positionuntil the pressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure inthe third chamber.
 8. The air spring of claim 2, wherein the firstpiston is configured to move in a first direction during the compressionmotion of the air spring, and wherein the second piston in configured tomove in a second direction that is opposite the first direction when thepressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure in the thirdchamber.
 9. The air spring of claim 2, wherein the first piston andsecond piston are coaxial.
 10. The air spring of claim 2, wherein thesecond member comprises a damping chamber including a damping fluid. 11.The air spring of claim 2, further comprising a bicycle frame and abicycle wheel, wherein the air spring is configured to regulate aposition of the bicycle wheel with respect to the bicycle frame.
 12. Anair spring comprising: a first member and a second member, wherein thesecond member slidably moves relative to the first member when the airspring is compressed or extended; a first piston affixed to an end ofthe second member and configured to slidably move within the firstmember; a first chamber including a gas, the first chamber at leastpartially bounded by the first piston; a second chamber including a gas,the second chamber at least partially bounded by the first piston,wherein the first piston is configured to seal the first chamber fromthe second chamber, wherein the air spring is configured such that thefirst piston increases the volume of the second chamber during acompression motion of the air spring and the first piston decreases thevolume of the second chamber during an extension motion of the airspring; a third chamber including a gas; and a second piston that atleast partially bounds the third chamber, wherein the second piston iscoaxial with the first piston, and wherein the second piston isconfigured to seal the third chamber from the first chamber.
 13. The airspring of claim 12, wherein the third chamber is disposed between thefirst member and a third member of the air spring.
 14. The air spring ofclaim 13, wherein the second piston comprises an outer seal that sealsagainst the third member, and an inner seal that seals against the firstmember.
 15. The air spring of claim 12, wherein the third chambercomprises an annular cross-sectional shape.
 16. The air spring of claim12, further comprising a retaining portion, the retaining portionconfigured to limit displacement of the second piston towards the firstchamber.
 17. The air spring of claim 16, wherein the retaining portionis configured to retain the second piston in a retained position untilthe pressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure in thethird chamber.
 18. The air spring of claim 12, wherein the first pistonis configured to move in a first direction during the compression motionof the air spring, and wherein the second piston in configured to movein a second direction that is opposite the first direction when thepressure in the first chamber is greater than the pressure in the thirdchamber.
 19. The air spring of claim 12, wherein the third chamber atleast partially surrounds the first chamber during at least a portion ofthe compression motion and extension motion of the air spring.
 20. Theair spring of claim 12, wherein the second member comprises a dampingchamber including a damping fluid.
 21. The air spring of claim 12,further comprising a bicycle frame and a bicycle wheel, wherein the airspring is configured to regulate a position of the bicycle wheel withrespect to the bicycle frame.